The Advanced Conservation Class led by Frances Ford submitted an abstract on their conservation work at Old Sheldon Church in Yemassee, South Carolina. This week the abstract was accepted and the class was invited to present their findings at the 2016 Historic Mortars Conference in Santorini, Greece next October.
Hybrid methodologies for mortar analysis, a digital view from the Carolina Lowcountry
Abstract: Emerging digital documentation technologies facilitate conservation assessments of historic sites and structures. What we term ‘hybrid methodologies’, these approaches merge traditional onsite inspection and conservation analyses with the new digital abilities to analyze and visualize historic structures. To explore these new approaches, Clemson conservators undertook concurrent digital documentation and conditions assessment at Old Sheldon Church Ruins in Yemassee, South Carolina. The site was laser scanned using a FARO Focus 330 system which accurately and efficiently documented both the ruins’ form and existing conditions. The system merged raw point cloud data with high resolution color photographs, resulting in a colorized 3D model that is accurate within two millimeters. At the same time conservators identified and notated mortar campaigns through on-site visual inspection. In all, eight separate mortar campaigns were identified that were then mapped onto the 3D model. Laboratory analysis of samples identified as the earliest lime mortar campaign found on site was conducted. The laboratory process included standard acid wash, gravimetric and optical microscopy analysis. This hybrid process combines standard analysis and assessment procedures with cutting-edge digital technologies that pushes the field of historic mortar analysis forward.